Diana Ross

Excuse me, but I thought this was a free society. I didn't know that Judy Garland had a monopoly on "Over the Rainbow." Toni Jacobson's (Viewers' Views, April 15) statement that Diana Ross had no business at the Academy Awards was really a pitiful statement. Irene Watson, Los Angeles

TOO often, people seem determined to discredit either Diana Ross or Berry Gordy -- or pit Diana versus singers with different but not necessarily better voices -- such as Aretha Franklin -- and declare their favorite ["Pop Diva, Soul Sister," Jan. 28]. Sadly, the Grammy Awards always did this -- giving Aretha tons of awards and Diana Ross not a single one over the years. This is truly an injustice and an oversight considering the amazing legacy she has given us. Why not admire both types of singers-artists for their unique, different strengths?

Diana Ross comes to the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Friday. Known for her solo hits like "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and "Do You Know Where You're Going To," Ross is also the former lead singer of the Motown classic group, the Supremes. She has had success in films and in television as well, most notably in the 1972 film "Lady Sings the Blues," in which her portrayal of Billie Holiday earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Ross will play one night only.